Ohio State Set to Host USC in Crucial Big Ten Showdown
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game carries a little more weight-especially when NCAA Tournament hopes hang in the balance. That’s exactly where Ohio State and USC find themselves heading into Wednesday night’s clash at the Schottenstein Center.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on BTN, with Dave Revsine and Steve Smith on the call.
This is the second leg of a demanding three-games-in-seven-days stretch for the Buckeyes, and it couldn’t come at a more pivotal time. Both Ohio State and USC sit at 7-6 in the Big Ten standings, making this a true bubble battle with March Madness implications.
A Tight All-Time Series
This will be the ninth meeting between the two programs, with Ohio State holding a narrow 5-3 edge. While the series history leans slightly in the Buckeyes' favor, it’s been tightly contested-Ohio State has outscored USC by just 11 points across the previous eight matchups (570-560). Notably, the Buckeyes are undefeated against the Trojans in Columbus, holding a 2-0 record at home.
The teams last met in the 1990s, splitting a pair of home-and-home series, with each side protecting its home court. That trend could bode well for Ohio State, especially with the Schottenstein Center crowd behind them in what feels like a must-win game.
Buckeyes Looking to Bounce Back
Ohio State is coming off a tough loss to No. 2 Michigan, a game in which they struggled to keep pace offensively.
Still, there were encouraging signs-Bruce Thornton led the way with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists, continuing to be the heartbeat of this Buckeye squad. Devin Royal chipped in 15 points and matched Thornton with six boards, while Christoph Tilly added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers.
Thornton is on the verge of a major milestone. He enters Wednesday’s game just five points shy of passing Kelvin Ransey (1977-80) for fifth place on the Buckeyes’ all-time scoring list. That’s not just a testament to his consistency-it’s a reminder of how central he’s been to this program’s identity.
Emerging Contributors
Freshman guard Taison Chatman has quietly become a spark plug off the bench. After a slow start to the season, he’s found his rhythm from deep, hitting 9-of-14 from three-point range over the last four games. He’s averaged 10.3 points per game in that stretch, a significant jump from the 1.9 ppg he posted over his first 14 appearances.
Christoph Tilly, meanwhile, has turned in back-to-back solid performances, including a 19-point outing in a road win at Maryland and a 10-point follow-up against Michigan. He’s shooting 75% from beyond the arc over the last two games (3-of-4), giving Ohio State another reliable scoring option in the frontcourt.
One player to watch for a bounce-back performance: John Mobley Jr. The sharpshooting freshman didn’t hit a three-pointer against Michigan, marking just the second time in his college career he’s gone without one.
Given his recent form, that feels like a blip. He’s also been automatic at the free throw line, knocking down all 22 of his attempts this season.
USC Riding Momentum
The Trojans arrive in Columbus with a bit of swagger, fresh off a dramatic 77-75 win at Penn State. They’ve won four of their last five, with their only loss in that stretch being a one-point heartbreaker at Iowa.
Transfer wing Chad Baker-Mazara has been a steady force all season, averaging 18.3 points per game. But the real headline lately has been freshman Alijah Arenas, who’s exploded for 26.5 points per game over his last two outings. If Ohio State wants to protect its home court, slowing down Arenas will be a top priority.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are fighting for postseason positioning, and with the Big Ten standings as tight as ever, this one carries added weight. A win could push either team closer to solidifying an NCAA Tournament berth.
A loss? It could mean needing to do serious work in the conference tournament.
For Ohio State, this is more than just a midweek matchup-it’s a chance to right the ship, defend home court, and make a statement that they belong in the March conversation. With the Buckeyes’ core stepping up and USC surging at the right time, expect a high-energy, high-stakes battle in Columbus.